Mt. Morris

FFA students brought their tractors and animals to the lawn of the elementary school for kids to learn about agriculture.

The idea of adding shade came from a citizen

Investigating deputies have determined that a 2013 GMC Acadia was traveling east on Route 2 at a high rate of speed when it struck an eastbound 2014 Ford Fusion. The Acadia then crossed the median and collided with a westbound 2012 Dodge Charger.

Derek Swanlund, 44, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges that accuse him of fatally shooting Cameron Pasley on April 21, 2025, in Mt. Morris.

Robert DeVries, a former Forreston High School multisport standout athlete, has been hired as the Cardinals’ new boys basketball coach.

Bryan Wills chosen board president.

Derek Swanlund, 44, will remain in custody in the Ogle County Jail in connection with the death of Cameron Pasley, 25, also of Mt. Morris.

Current principal, Heidi Deininger, is leaving the district to be superintendent at West Carroll.

Performances start at 7 p.m. Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. May 4. There will be open seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Derek Swanlund, 44, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Cameron Pasley, 25, also of Mt. Morris.

The show starts at 6:30 p.m.

Held throughout March, the long-running contest encourages Sterling Federal employees to nominate and select local charities for a chance to receive financial support.

Cameron Pasley, 25, was shot several times at his residence in Mt. Morris in what police describe as a “domestic incident.”

One person is dead and another charged with first-degree murder in what police are calling a “domestic incident” that happened late Monday afternoon.

A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Loaves and Fish Food Pantry in Mt. Morris.

Arraignment scheduled for April 16.

Christopher J. Kaepplinger, 54, was sentenced to four years of probation with a long list of special conditions through a plea agreement.

No injuries to residents or firefighters.

The play addresses the emotions of sisterhood and family relationships, both humorous and thoughtful. Performances will be May 2-4 in Mt. Morris.

Dixon Rural and Dixon City firefighters, along with Advance EMS, were dispatched to a residential structure fire at 4:41 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at 8259 S. Main St. in Grand Detour.

Breakfast includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy. Freewill donations welcome.

District thanks aide, teachers and coaches for efforts.

One person was transported to the hospital by ambulance.

A structure fire along state Route 38 near Ashton resulted in “a total loss” as crews battled against strong winds Wednesday afternoon, Ashton Fire Chief Bernard Richter said.

Performances are March 13-16

The mission of Transitions is to assist these students in learning some of the basic life skills required for successful living in our community including banking, cooking, and performing household chores

The cost is $40 to become a PAG member which covers attendance for you and a guest at the annual meeting and includes one show ticket for the 2025 season.

March will be a busy month for music students

Rochelle advances four wrestlers

Precautionary measure lifted after investigation finds no threat to area.

Oregon advances to Jan. 25 sectional at Dixon's Plum Hollow Lanes

The program for the evening will allow attendees to get to know the new officers better as several are new to the Guild

Performance times are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The Performing Arts Guild of Mt. Morris will present a dessert theater titled “Christmas Eve in Chaos” from Jan. 10-12.

Allure of Pinecrest, 414 S. Wesley Ave. in Mt. Morris, was fined $50,000 for an “AA” violation and $2,200 for a "B" violation. An “AA” violation is given when a condition or event at a facility directly contributes to a resident’s death.

The property assessment equalization factor, often called the “multiplier,” is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties, as required by law.

Donations can be made at the Polo Pharmacy, 111 E. Mason St.

Live trees will be collected in some cities

The city’s public works department has rented a leaf vacuum and will suck up leaves until Dec. 24, provided they are raked to the curb.

There is no admission charge, but donations are accepted.

“Scrooge the Comedy” is an interactive dinner theater loosely based on Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol.” White Pines has been putting on the holiday show at 6712 W. Pines Road for over 30 years.

Performances are Jan. 10–12 at the Allure of Pinecrest Grove Theater, 500 Evergreen Lane, Mt. Morris.

Christopher J. Kaepplinger, 54, is accused of possessing photos of children being sexually abused.

Board members John Finfrock and Tom Smith along with Coroner Lou Finch IV are retiring.

Mt. Morris Village Board members on Tuesday selected a company to demolish the second downtown building destroyed in a fire six months ago.

100 Women Who Care donations go to local 501c organizations within Ogle County

Christopher J. Kaepplinger, 54, was arrested Oct. 31 after Ogle County sheriff's detectives and officers with the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigations searched his apartment.

Mt. Morris officials hope to have Zickuhr Park renovations started — and completed — next year. In January, the village of Mt. Morris received a $152,600 OSLAD grant to redevelop Zickuhr Park; the total cost of the project is $305,200.

The village of Mt. Morris on Monday closed on the purchase of 1 N. Wesley Ave., Village President Phil Labash said. The village did not purchase 3 N. Wesley Ave., he said.

Taxpayers in Ogle County could see around a 0.4-cent change per $100 on their property tax bills next year, if Ogle County Board members pass the proposed budget for 2025 on Nov. 19.